The CCPC’s First Annual Report

The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (the “CCPC”) was established on 31 October 2014, combining the former Competition Authority and the National Consumer Agency. The CCPC has published its first annual report relating to the period from its establishment to 31 December 2015. This provides an insight into how the new agency has operated so far and where its priorities may lie going forward.

What trends have emerged?

The number of notifiable mergers has increased: The CCPC reviewed 88 mergers during the period covered, up significantly from 48 in the previous corresponding period. The CCPC recognised two reasons for this. First, the lower financial threshold of €3 million for the mandatory notification of mergers meant a greater number of lower value mergers were notified.

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